First Female Army Drill Sergeant Files Discrimination Lawsuit Against Superiors

The first woman to lead the U.S. Army’s drill sergeant training is taking legal action against her employers, citing sexism and racism. Command Sgt. Maj. Teresa King, alleges that she was unlawfully suspended last November, and filed a legal complaint with the Army, Monday (April 30).

King made headlines back in 2009 for becoming the first woman the head the Drill Sergeant School in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. According to her lawyer, James Smith, King became the victim of discrimination at the hands of Maj. Gen. Richard Longo, and Command Sgt. Maj. John Calpena— both of whom led and investigation which commenced with disciplinary action. “It’s abundantly clear that there was nothing to warrant her removal. The Army should reinstate her and restore her honorable name,” Smith told The Associated Press.

While his client refused to release a statement on the pending suit, according to Smith, the Army is attempting to strong-arm her into early retirement. Unfortunately, the discrepancy puts King in the company of other high-ranking individuals who have spoken out against racial profiling in the work place. Earlier this month two NYPD officials became the subject of a federal discrimination lawsuit for racist practices, while in March an off-duty police officer was racially profiled and attacked for wearing a hoodie.